A Home for Haley (26 page)

Her life today might be totally
different if she’d been honest and upfront with Dale. Would he have not signed
up for that last tour? Chosen to be home more often? She couldn’t help but
wonder if Dale would have listened to her and stayed home. She would never
know, but she’d like to think he might have re-evaluated his decision.

Tears spilled down her cheeks and
she cried for all she’d lost—Dale the day he’d left for his last tour of duty
and her father who had never been there to support either her or her mother.
And she cried the hardest for her mother who had never had the courage to do
what Haley was just now discovering she had the power and, hopefully the
courage, to do.

****

Ethan stirred as a noise filtered
through his dreams—his very hot dreams of Haley—and woke him. He glanced at his
bedside clock and groaned. Midnight. His cell phone chirped and he was instantly
wide awake. No one called at midnight unless there was something wrong. He grabbed
the phone off the bed stand, saw Haley’s name, and shot straight up.

“What’s wrong?” he asked by way of
answering.

“Ryan’s in the hospital.”

Ethan shot out of bed and grabbed
his jeans and a t-shirt. “What happened?” he asked, pulling on his t-shirt with
one hand.

“He had fever and vomiting and got
dehydrated. They put an IV in him. His fever is down, but . . .” He heard her
gulp for air. “I need you, Ethan. I know it’s the middle of the night, but is
there any way can you come?” Her voice cracked as she finished her request, and
Ethan’s heart pounded against his rib cage.

“I’m on my way,” he said, yanking
one leg of his jeans on.

“But you have Kayla.”

“I’ll get a neighbor to come over
until Mom can get here.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He could tell she was crying. “Hang
on, Haley. I’ll be there in ten minutes.” He jerked the other leg of his jeans
up, slipped on a pair of loafers, then called his next door neighbor, who said
she’d be right over.

By the time he’d called his mom, brushed
his teeth and gone downstairs, Kathleen was ringing the front door bell. He let
her in. “Thanks for coming. Mom’s on her way.”

“Glad to do it. You okay?”

Far from it
,
but thankful
as hell Haley had called him
. “I’m fine. Thanks again for coming.” He
hurried to his car, surprised but grateful that Haley felt she could still rely
on him. He hadn’t given her a whole lot of reason to feel that way lately. Swearing,
he pressed on the accelerator and headed to the hospital.

A few minutes later, he parked and
jogged into the hospital before he realized he had no idea where in the
hospital he was going. He called Haley back. “I’m here. Where are you?”

“Third floor, room
three-twenty-four.”

“How’s he doing?” he asked punching
the button for an elevator.

“Better. I . . . I should have
waited until morning to call you.”

“Don’t say that. Don’t even think
it. See you in a minute.” He pocketed his cell and stepped into the elevator.
Sucking in a deep breath, he tried to quiet his nerves.
Ryan is okay. There
is no need to panic
. From the sound of Haley’s voice, Ryan was probably
doing better than his mom at this point. He and Haley’s relationship might be
over, but he was unbelievably glad she had not cut him out of Ryan’s life
completely. He loved that little boy.

He stepped off the elevator,
grimaced at the smell of disinfectant, and hurried down the sterile tile floor to
Ryan’s room. After giving a light knock, he pulled in a long, deep breath and shoved
the door open.

Haley sat in a recliner next to
Ryan, who was sleeping. She looked like she’d been through the wringer—hair
going every which way, eyes blood shot and swollen—but she’d never looked more
beautiful to him. He strode over, rested a hand on her shoulder and squeezed.
She stood and wrapped her arms around his waist. He held her gently as he
breathed in her scent, felt her curves mold to him, and thanked God she’d
called. He felt a shudder run through her and pulled her closer. She rested her
head on his shoulder and he felt some of his tension ease.

When she edged away, Ethan shifted his
attention to Ryan, his heart constricting at how tiny and helpless he looked.
The IV was taped to the top of one hand. Ethan could only imagine how difficult
it had been for Haley to watch them put an IV in her son’s hand, especially
since he’d been dehydrated. Ethan’s stomach clenched at the thought of what
both Ryan and Haley had been through tonight, and he wished Haley had called
him sooner.

“Poor little guy,” he said, running
a hand over the top of Ryan’s head.

Ryan opened his eyes. “Daddy,” he
said hoarsely, reaching for Ethan.

Ethan leaned down and kissed his
cheek, held Ryan as close as he could without disturbing the IV. “I hear you’ve
been kinda puny.” Ryan nodded solemnly. “Looks like the doctors made you
better.”

“They poked me. It hurt.” Ryan
looked down at the needle taped in his hand and teared up.

“It’s okay,” Ethan said, kissing
him again. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for that,” he said softly. “But I’m here
now and I’m staying.” He figured he might as well get that out in the open. He
wasn’t leaving Haley and Ryan, no matter what Haley said.

“I want you to stay.” Haley’s voice
pulled Ethan’s attention back to her pale face with dark circles under her eyes—exhausted
eyes that tugged at his wounded heart.

Keeping a hand on Ryan’s leg, he
grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it next to hers. “No way would I leave, but
it’s nice you want me to stay,” he said, fighting to keep the surprise from his
voice.

She nodded, both fatigue and
wariness on her face. He wondered if her earlier hug had been born of
exhaustion and pure need. Would she have called him if she hadn’t felt
desperate? Lord knows it had taken her long enough. “Did Ryan ask for me?”

“Yes.”

“So that’s why you called,” he
said, not able to keep the accusatory tone out of his voice.

She broke eye contact with him. “Partly.”
She hugged herself and seemed to turn inward. Silence coated the room, giving
him way too much time to wonder what was going on in that head of hers.

He waited for her to say more, even
though he wasn’t at all sure he wanted to hear the rest of what she had to say.

“I should have called before I did,”
she began. “But things were so hectic and they needed to get an IV started.”
She pressed her fingers against her mouth, fighting tears. “Everything happened
so fast. Ryan’s cries woke me up and when I got to his room, he’d thrown up. His
fever was a hundred and four.” She swallowed hard. “I put him in the tub. Gave
him Tylenol, but he couldn’t keep it down.”

Ethan glanced at Ryan who had
fallen back asleep. “Good thing you brought him in.”

Haley nodded, her eyes glued to her
son. “I was so scared. I still am, but not near as much. It helps having you
here,” she added softly.

Ethan ran a hand down her arm but
then pulled back, settling both hands in his lap. “Anyone would have been
scared, Haley. I would have been here a lot sooner if I’d known.” The words were
out before he could censor them.

“I know that,” she admitted, and
his spirits lifted ever so slightly. At least she knew she could count on him.

She swiped at a lone tear. “Being
the only comfort and support for your son when he’s fighting the nurse and then
lying helpless in a hospital bed, made me feel more alone than I’ve ever felt.
It also made me take a long, hard look at my life.” She cleared her throat, not
meeting his gaze. “I realized a few things. Better late than never,” she added
with a fake laugh and Ethan knew then she was in a world of hurt –a hurt that
went far beyond Ryan’s illness.

He took her hand, rubbed his thumb
across her knuckles. “I’m listening.”

She turned her hand over and
clasped his. “I’ve been such a coward,” she whispered. “All my life I’ve been a
coward.”

He shook his head. “I don’t see you
as a coward, Haley.”

She tried to pull her hand away,
but he held onto her. She licked her lips, tucked a strand of hair behind her
ear. “I’ve had pressure from my dad for one thing or another as long as I can
remember. I’ve watched my mom cave over and over under his constant badgering.”

Shame washed through Ethan at the
pressure he had put on her. “I’m so sorry I pressured you too. I knew your dad
had been bugging you for money. I didn’t realize how pervasive his manipulation
had been all your life.”

“Manipulation is a good word.”

“No wonder you hated what I said at
Kayla’s party.” He leaned toward her and rested his forehead on hers. “I’m so
sorry, Haley.”

“I believe you.” She held his gaze
for a while then leaned back, rubbing the tops of her arms. “I should have told
you why it affected me so strongly,” she continued. “The thing is, I didn’t know
myself until tonight. Things kind of came together for me about an hour ago.”

“I’ve heard you argue with your dad
several times, seen you not answer your phone. I can’t believe I didn’t figure
some of this out on my own.” He cringed inwardly. He must have reminded her of
her father every time he bugged her about marriage.

She reclaimed his hand and held on
tight. “How could you have put it together? I should have told you more about
my childhood. Please don’t think you are like my father. You’re nothing like him.”

“God, I hope not.”

She touched the side of his face, a
tentative touch, then pulled her hand away. He wanted to grab it back and tuck
it onto his lap, but he managed to refrain.

“I’ve thought a lot about how I
handled our relationship, Ethan. I should have been more upfront with you. I
apologize. Walking out on you without any warning had to have felt like a
repeat of Ellie. That must have been horrible for you, and even worse for poor
Kayla.” She laid a hand on his leg. “I’m so sorry I handled things the way I
did.”

“You’re not the only one sorry
about that. I reacted like an idiot. It definitely triggered some pretty crappy
memories. Obviously, the way Ellie treated me can still jerk my chain.”

“Like Dad can jerk mine,” Haley
said with a scowl.

Ethan rubbed the stubble on his
chin. “I guess neither one of us handled that evening very well. I was shocked
and angry as hell. It felt like Ellie walking out all over again. I tried
numerous times to get her to come home and give us another chance and was rejected
every time. I swore I would never again pursue a woman who didn’t want me.”

Haley’s blue eyes swam with tears. “I
wanted you, Ethan. I just didn’t want you to keep trying to talk me into
something I wasn’t ready for.” She stared at their clasped hands. “Ryan’s not
the only one who’s missed you. I’ve missed you something fierce.”

He brought her hand up to his lips,
kissed each fingertip and watched her eyes soften. “Do you want to be with me,
Haley? Lord knows I want you in my life, but only if that’s what you really
want.”

Tears spilled onto her cheeks. He
wiped them away with the pad of his thumb. “Yes, I want to be with you, Ethan.
I’ve always wanted to be with you.”

He smiled and for the first time
since Haley left the heavy weight sitting on his chest eased. “We don’t ever
have to get married,” he assured her.” I’ll take you any way I can get you.”

Smiling through her tears, she leaned
over and kissed him, lingering and tasting, and it was all he could do to
behave himself. “I love you, Ethan. You are a part of me. I know that now. And
you’re a part of Ryan, just like Kayla is a part of me.”

That’s it. He was toast
. He
pulled her onto his lap. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you, Haley
Donahue, and Ryan is like a son to me. If we ever decide to marry, I’d like to
adopt him.”

“He would love that,” she said. “You’re
the only father Ryan has ever known. For a long time it hurt me when he called
you Daddy.” Haley rested her head on his shoulder. “Now it feels right and
makes me smile.”

Ethan tilted her head back and
kissed her softly. “There’s nothing you could have said to make me happier. I
love that boy.”

“I know. I just couldn’t accept it.
I realized something else tonight.” He arched his brows in question. “One of
the reasons Kayla and I hit it off so well was because we both had mothers who
deserted us. Her mom walked out. My mom stayed but was never emotionally there
for me. Kayla and I both know what it’s like to not have our mothers’ love and
support.”

Ethan felt as if his chest might
burst with emotion. “I love you so much, Haley Donahue, and I’ll do everything
in my power to never let you down again if you give me another chance. You’re
the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And Kayla loves you. I hope you know
that.”

“I love her too.” Haley smiled. “Almost
as much as I love her father.”

“Daddy?” Ryan called.

Ethan took Ryan’s hand. “Yes, little
buddy. Daddy’s here.”

“And he’s not going anywhere,”
Haley said. “Ever, if I have anything to say about it.”

Ethan kissed her, a soft kiss full
of promise and love, and Haley knew she’d found the home she’d always yearned
to have.

CHAPTER ONE

Exhaustion tugged at Ashley
Richardson as she pulled her loaded-to-the-hilt car up to her brother, Ethan’s,
dude ranch outside Crystal Springs, Tennessee and parked at the side of the
huge two-story white frame farm house. The bright red baskets of geraniums
hanging across the front of the wrap-around porch made her smile. Her mother’s
touch, she felt certain, and a welcoming first impression, especially with the
porch swings and rockers, all with red cushions.

Ashley leaned her head back against
the car seat and breathed a sigh of relief that her long, hot, three-day drive
was over. She hoped she’d made a good decision to come here and be the public
relations director for the ranch, but if it didn’t work out she could always
leave and find a job in Nashville.

She glanced at the lush rolling
hills surrounding her. It was definitely beautiful, and right now she was glad
she’d let Ethan talk her into moving here. If truth be known, it hadn’t taken
much talking on his part. She’d been away from her family for thirteen years.
Thirteen long years of running from herself. It was time to join her family.
Time to come to terms with her past and move forward.

“It’s a perfect fit,” Ethan had
told her when he’d offered the job.

She’d harrumphed, not at all sure
it was any kind of fit, let alone perfect. But it was a job and it was close to
family—a huge plus at this point in her life—and it gave her time to figure
some things out and find herself.

A sharp rap on her window had her
practically jumping out of her hot, sweaty skin. She clutched her heart and
shot daggers at Hank Bradley, co-owner of the dude ranch and the main source of
her reservations about taking this job. Holding back a curse, she rolled down
her window.

“Ethan had to go out to a building
site. Said to welcome you. Pop the trunk. I’ll grab an armload.”

“That’s a heart-warming welcome if
ever there were one,” she muttered, shooting him a fake smile.

“I do my best.” Tipping his cowboy
hat at her, he sauntered to the trunk and grabbed an armload of luggage.
“Follow me. I’ll show you your room.”

Ashley grabbed her two smaller
bags, slammed the trunk shut, and followed him inside, where it was blessedly
cool. He climbed the stairs and she followed, unable to keep from admiring the
view. Men weren’t the only ones who enjoyed eyeing good butts, she mused. She’d
known Hank since they were in junior high and he’d always had a cute butt. And
broad shoulders. And a killer smile when he bothered to use it. Which was rare
around her.

She shifted her gaze, chastising
herself for admiring Hank’s assets, and continued to follow his long-legged
stride, practically running to keep up.

When they landed on the second
floor, he spoke. “Ethan put you in the new wing. Thought you’d enjoy the view
and the peace and quiet it offered.”

“He got that right.”

Hank shoved the door open to a
gorgeous mauve and cream colored suite, and Ashley sighed with pure pleasure.
She set her two bags on the gleaming hardwood floor, kicked off her sandals and
walked toward the antique four-poster, walnut bed, sinking her tired feet into
a thick, cream-colored, area rug adorned with mauve flowers and dark green
leaves.

She scooted onto the bed and
bounced a few times. “This bed is magnificent. Where did Ethan pick this up?”

“My folks’ place. I cleaned their
house out last month after Mom died.”

“Oh,” she said, at a loss for
words. Seemed she was always at a loss for what to say around this man of few
words. He certainly never talked about his family. She’d never heard anything
good about his folks, and every time she’d asked Ethan about them he’d told her
Hank’s family life wasn’t any of their business.

She ran a hand over a polished bed post
and admired the intricate pattern carved into it. “I heard about your father
passing a long time ago. I hadn’t heard about your mom. When did you lose her?”

“A few months ago. Heart.”

Ashley’s hand stilled. “I’m sorry,
Hank. I can’t imagine losing my mom.”

“That’s because your mom’s
one-of-a-kind. She’s been more like a mother to me than my own mom. Count
yourself lucky.” Hank turned to go. “If you need anything, I’m right next
door.”

“Seriously?” Irritation scraped
through her. This was not what she needed. “When I was here at the first of the
summer, you were living in a stall in the barn,” she said, rolling her eyes
before she could stop herself.

“I’m expanding the barn. Adding
some therapy horses and another arena. By the way, this is a Jack and Jill
suite. We share a bathroom.” He nodded toward a door on the other side of the
bed.

Ashley’s mouth fell open. “I’m
sharing a bathroom with you?” she hissed, anger churning through her before she
reined it in. She wasn’t sharing a bathroom with anyone, but especially Hank
Bradley. She didn’t want to even see the man, and she sure as hell wasn’t
sharing the intimacy of a bathroom with him. She and Hank could barely manage
to be civil to one another so this would never work. Never. Not in a million
years.

She’d have Ethan find her another
room. Or move to a hotel if she had to.

“Calm down, Ash. I’m used to a
stall. I rarely even shower.”

“Very funny.”

Chuckling, Hank left the room.
Ashley closed the door forcefully behind his retreating back. Big brother would
pay for this. Of course big brother had no idea how much Hank got on her
nerves, but still. She glanced around the room and tried to calm herself. It
really was quite lovely. A sitting area off one side of the room caught her
eye. She started toward it, stopping when her bare feet sank again into the
thick area rug beside the bed. She dug her toes into the plush rug and admired
a walnut six-drawer dresser, complete with an oval, beveled glass mirror and
wondered if that had come from Hank’s old house, too.

She headed toward the sitting room,
sighing with pleasure when she stepped into it. A light yellow chaise was in
one corner, facing French doors that gave her a beautiful view of a meadow. A
delicate Tiffany lamp sat on a side table, which looked like yet an antique. 
She wondered if it was yet another piece from Hanks’ childhood home.

She sank onto the chaise and
propped her feet up. Okay, so the room was lovely, but she still didn’t want to
share a bathroom. What had Ethan been thinking? She wanted her privacy for
crying out loud. No woman in the world would want to share a bathroom with a
male stranger. Okay, so Hank wasn’t a stranger, but still. Ethan should have at
least checked this out with her.

She stormed over to the bed and
grabbed her cell phone out of her purse. She pulled up Ethan’s name then
groaned and tossed her phone onto the bed. She could hardly complain when the
room was free, and Ethan was paying her generously for her job. Besides, she
also had a balcony, one of the few rooms that boasted that amenity. She walked
back to the sitting room, opened the French doors wide and stepped outside. A
sigh of pleasure left her as she took in the green rolling hills spotted with
horses. To her right was the barn and arena, where five horses stood saddled
and, she assumed, waiting for riders.

A family of four walked to the
horses, and Hank stepped out of the barn, greeting them. He talked with them a
minute, probably giving them instructions, then led the way to the horses. No
one needed help mounting their horse, so they must have some riding experience.

Hank swung onto a gorgeous black
stallion and headed out, the family filing out behind him into the south
pasture. Ashley watched until they were out of sight, thinking a morning ride
sounded wonderful. She’d have to do that soon. In the meantime, she had a lot
of unpacking to do. That is, if she stayed in this room.

Reluctantly, she went back inside,
opened a suitcase and grabbed some clean clothes. Picking up her small bag of
toiletries, she headed for the bathroom. At least she’d have hot water this
early in the evening. And Hank wasn’t anywhere around.

She opened the door to the bathroom
and almost squealed with delight. A huge whirlpool tub greeted her. Talk about
the perfect way to mellow after her long drive from California. She locked the
door and prepared to indulge herself.

****

Ashley joined the breakfast crew
early the next morning, smiling as she sat beside Ethan at the end of the
table. Several guests were finishing up their breakfast and Ashley made a point
of greeting them.

“How did everyone sleep last night?
I slept like a milk-drunk baby.”

“Nothing like clean country air,”
one man said as he scooted away from the table. “We’re heading out for a hike.
See you all later.”

“Watch where you walk,” Ethan
called after them. “Country life has country critters.”

The man nodded and escorted his
wife and two teenage boys outside.

 “So what are the big plans around
here for Labor Day?” Haley asked after taking a sip of orange juice.

“Just the usual unless you want to
throw something together at the last minute.”

“Talk about pressure,” she muttered
around a piece of toast with fresh blackberry jam that practically melted in
her mouth. “Looks like I have my work cut out for me.”

Hank sauntered into the room and
sat across from them. “Mornin’. Did my snoring keep you awake, Princess?”

Ashley narrowed her gaze at him,
angry and hurt and hoping only the hurt showed. The man barely talked to her,
but when he did she often wished he’d kept his mouth shut. She took a bite of
eggs, watched him as she chewed and remembered only too vividly the last time
he’d called her Princess. His words still stung. “You need to grow up,
Princess.”

She swallowed down her humiliation
and shifted her attention back to the present and her brother. “We’ve got three
nights until Labor Day. How about a barn dance? Invite the entire area, not
just people staying here.”

Ethan practically choked on his
food. “You think big. That’s a lot to pull off in a few days.”

“Wuss. How about in a couple of
weeks? Make it a grand opening for the place? Don’t you think the Crystal Springs
Dude Ranch needs a grand opening?”

Ethan leaned back in his chair,
rubbed his flat belly and groaned with pleasure. “Sounds like a plan. Francie
knows some ladies in town who own a place called Comfort Cafe. Bet you could
get them to cater the food.”

“Francie knows everyone. Having her
for a sister-in-law comes in handy, huh?”

Ethan grinned. “Matt did good.”

“Yes he did, and so did you when
you finally convinced Haley to marry you.” Ethan’s grin covered his face, and
Ashley was happy for him. “I’ll talk to Francie. How are she and Matt doing by
the way?”

“Still two little love birds.
Francie keeps trying to give Haley riding lessons, but she keeps declining.” Ethan
chuckled. “Francie is persistent, so my money’s on her, not my beautiful wife.”

“My money’s on your beautiful
wife,” Hank announced. “That woman found her voice and she’s never giving it
up.”

“Good for her,” Ashley said.
“Besides, Haley has her own strengths,” she added, taking another bite of
scrambled eggs.

“How do you like those ostrich
eggs?” Ethan asked.

Ashley’s mouth froze. “Really?” she
mumbled around her food.

Hank pointed his fork at her.
“You’re in God’s country now, Ashley. Pretty sure we’re having rattler for
dinner.”

She swallowed her eggs. “You are so
full of it.”

Ethan and Hank grinned at each
other. Ashley frowned at them. “Some things never change, and you two guys are
one of those things. You’ve been egging each other on since grade school.”

“It’s become a fine art, don’t you
think?” Ethan punched Hank in the arm.

“My end of it has. Not sure about
yours.” Hank took a sip of coffee, a smirk on his face, and Ethan laughed.

“Okay, how about a nature hike and
barbeque on Labor Day?” Ashley suggested. “Just for the guests.”

Ethan pondered her suggestion then
looked at Hank. He arched his brows. “Don’t look at me. Just remember they’d
have to watch for rattle snakes, depending on where the clues are.”

“God you’re a spoil sport.” Ashley
scooted away from the table. “You two think about it and let me know. I’m going
for a morning ride. Which horse do you suggest, Hank?”

He shoved away from the table,
picked up his plate. “I have a couple that would be a good choice for you. A
bay mare and a gray gelding. Why don’t you show her, Ethan? I have work to do.”

“Sorry. No can do.” Ethan stood. “I
have an early appointment with a client in town. When you get a few minutes,
Ashley, Haley and the kids would love to see you.”

“Sure thing. I’ll ride to your new
house, tie the horse at the fence post.” She grinned. “You do have a fence
post, don’t you?”

Laughing, Ethan grabbed her up and
twirled her around. “Good to have you here, little sis.” He set her down,
kissed her cheek. “See you later. Hank’ll take good care of you. Answer any
questions you have.” Ethan grabbed his cowboy hat and headed outside.

Hank’s gaze coasted over Ashley.
“I’ll meet you in the barn after you change into riding clothes.”

“Just show me which horse and where
the gear is. I can take it from there.” Ashley walked outdoors and pulled in
the fresh morning air, not about to dash upstairs and change because of what
Hank said. She would change after she’d saddled her horse. Hank knew she was an
experienced horse woman. Why did he always have to goad her?

She walked to the corral and leaned
over the railing, spotting the gray gelding immediately. She clucked and his
ears pricked as he watched her with interest, chewing on some hay. Several of
the other horses glanced at her, but the gray walked up to her and stretched
out his neck. She patted his sleek, dappled coat.